ESIA mapping tool

What is ESIA Mapping?

ESIA Mapping is a diagnostic tool to assess the state of a national ESIA system. Practitioners and stakeholders of ESIA discuss the performance of their system with the aid of a set of questions. The outcome is a graphical representation of the current ESIA system, showing opportunities for improvement. It may serve as basis for an action plan to improve the national ESIA system.

Where has ESIA Mapping been applied?

In about 25 jurisdictions all over the world. In 5 Central African countries and 7 Pakistani regions, ESIA Mapping has been applied already twice. See for more information on ESIA mapping in Pakistan the NIAP website.

Who can apply ESIA Mapping?

National ESIA Authorities can undertake an official mapping under auspices of the NCEA. This means: the result is owned by the ESIA Authority, and it is produced according to the NCEA quality standards under the responsibility of a certified ESIA Mapping facilitator.

How can I use the ESIA Mapping tool?

By contacting the NCEA and implementing a joint ESIA Mapping seminar.

Can I become certified ESIA Mapping facilitator?

A high quality application of ESIA Mapping depends on highly skilled facilitators. They need to have ample experience with managing EIAs in practice as well as developing legislation and organization of ESIA systems, they need to be available for several ESIA Mappings per year.

Barometer and ESIA Mapping seminars under responsibility of CLEAA (Africa)

CLEAA (Capacity Development and Linkages for Environmental Assessment in Africa) is the umbrella of African association structure of ESIA professionals. It works toward implementing analytical tools for ESIA in all African countries with National ESIA Authorities and recognized national Associations for Environmental Assessment. CLEAA makes two tools available: the ESIA Barometer, developed by the Southern African Institute for Environmental Assessment (SAEIE) specifically for the African context and ESIA Mapping. Both tools are brought under an CLEAA introductory page and can be obtained through CLEAA.

What about costs?

In partner countries of The Netherlands: the NCEA can provide technical assistance at no cost, including the ESIA Mapping Facilitator. Under certain conditions, the cost of venue can be compensated by the NCEA as well. Other costs like hotel, DSA etc, are not covered by the NCEA.

In other countries: Overall costs for an ESIA Mapping seminar are in the range between € 15.000 - € 25.000.

What will happen with my ESIA Map?

Once produced, the ESIA Map will be re-edited (to correct small mistakes) and interpreted by the ESIA Mapping Facilitator. It will then be owned by the national ESIA Authority of the country concerned.

The NCEA will keep a copy of the map in an mapping database as backup. The database may be used to provide a copy of the map of a specific country, for example in case it has been lost.

Upon authorisation by the competent ESIA authority, the NCEA can publish an ESIA Map on its dedicated web page.

ESIA mapping is an assessment, not an action plan

An ESIA Map itself, nor its written interpretation, is an action plan. Follow-up is usually needed to prioritise and develop a feasible activities. The NCEA and the ESIA Mapping facilitator will normally be available to provide technical assistance if requested.

Is ESIA Mapping scientific?

No, an ESIA Map is always the result of discussions between stakeholders in a seminar. Most stakeholders are no scientists. The questions they discuss are determined by the ESIA Mapping method, which has been developed by practitioners, not scientists. The same goes for the graphical representations. Yet, the list of questions covers virtually all aspects of ESIA systems, and the national situation is compared with the most sophisticated ESIA system possible, based on current knowledge about ESIA systems in the world.